Monthly Archives: June 2009

I helped a family member move a mammoth 3 hrs north from where they had been living and I can tell you that moving house at best is a busy and stressful time, but there are ways to make the move run more smoothly and organised which means less stress come moving day. A movers’ checklist helps keep the task at hand from the beginning to end of the move.

Here are the tips that I have learned:

About 4 – 6 weeks before the move, a firm date has to be set to move into the new house and arrangements made with your job to have moving day off. Then preparations for mail to be redirected to the new address on the move date needs to be made. And before any early packing can be done, all of the junk and unused stuff needs to be purged from the home and got rid of (this allows for a fresh start). When planning a move a few things to consider are; will all of the appliances fit in the new house, will the budget allow for professional movers or will friends and family help move.

Another moving checklist needs to be done about 2 weeks before the moving date and should include; the connection and disconnection of utility accounts for both houses, canceling any local services associated to the current house that is being lived in. When the furniture and all other personal belongings are moved from the house it needs to be properly cleaned either by a professional carpet cleaner and general house cleaner or if doing it yourself is an option because the budget is a factor.

On moving day there are several last minute things going on, so it is helpful to have a checklist to check off tasks that are done. Getting up early will allow plenty of time to get ready for the day and pack up a few last minute essentials needed for everyday life in a house. This includes; all bathroom items, medicines, toiletries, and a change of clothes. Another box of kitchen essentials needs to be packed after it is used, which usually includes; coffee, tea, creamer, sugar, snacks, coffee pot, silverware, mugs, and etc…

Knowing the inventory of the furniture going out will help when it goes into the new house. Before leaving check all storage areas, windows, and doors of the house before locking the doors for good. Make or confirm the collection of the key and turn off electricity at the meter. Be sure to keep all important papers, insurance papers, valuables, and personal items with you.

Let’s face it – money is tight these days no matter who you are or where you live. Learning to save and correctly budget your money is a skill that eventually improve your personal finances no end. This applies not only to those with low income jobs, but to anyone who would like to sleep comfortably knowing that they are not in debt. That said, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself afloat without having to live like a ‘serf’.

Forget about the flat-screen television. Even though “everyone” has one these days, and you can sometimes get a “no payments no interest for twelve months” at your local department store, the bottom line is that this is a luxury that is unnecessary to daily living. Don’t give in to the trend! Next, ditch the premium television channels. You may be able to lower your cable bill from $100 a month to $30 a month if you can do without the higher end channels. Also, hold back on putting a TV in every room. The extra electricity that you will use adds up to a hefty sum of money.

Eating out too often is another way that people tend to spend much more money than necessary. Sure, it can be nice to go out for a steak every once in a while, but try limiting this to once every two weeks. After all, cooking at home is usually more satisfying to begin with! However, don’t use this as an excuse to eat poorly, as this will not help anyone in the long run. Stick to grains, fruits and vegetables. It is also important to get plenty of exercise to compliment your diet.

Don’t jump into leasing a car if you are looking for a new vehicle, as in the end you will pay much more money than you would if you just bought the car in the beginning. On that note, try to make your vehicle last as long as possible, as buying a new car every few years can be a huge source of wasted money.

Skip the urge to buy the latest and greatest cell phone – this is a trend, just like the flat panel TV! If you really need it for your business then go for it if you can justify it but its just a toy for the purposes of showing off then reconsider.

Another reason why your personal finances are in tatters – you constantly buy new clothes! Why not make use of your old clothes instead of spending a heap of money on new ones all the time! Fashion comes and it goes. Try to buy clothes that will last for more than one season. Try to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Take these simple pieces of advice on board and you will be able to stay afloat a little bit better.